Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule on December 10 to amend
regulations regarding certain service-connected conditions associated with
traumatic brain injury (TBI). Under the amendment, veterans who have a
service-connected TBI and are also diagnosed with Parkinsonism, dementia
(pre-senility, Alzheimer type), unprovoked seizures, hypopituitarism, or
depression will have those diagnoses classified as service-connected secondary
conditions if they manifest within 3 years of a moderate to severe TBI or
within 12 months of mild TBI. Diseases related to hypothalamo-pitutitary
changes must manifest within 12 months of moderate to severe TBI. This new
service-connected diagnoses may impact disability status and related VA
compensation.